Victory Day in Moscow: Part II

It was Victory Day in Moscow, May 9, 2012 – the day that commemorates Russian triumph over the Nazi regime after a long and bloody war. I went there to take pictures.

The day started with clouds and rain but by noon the sun was gleaming off the massive columns of the Bolshoi Theater. Water splashed in the fountain as elderly veterans milled about collecting roses, carnations, and daisies and telling war stories. Most looked proud, some looked lost, some cried, and some sang songs or recited poetry. There were lots of hugs and serious catch-up on gossip. They shared sausages and vodka, memories and tears.

Some veterans brought their wartime picture albums, proudly showing off photos of themselves in the prime of youth. I noticed one man with a pile of old newspaper clippings. He sat with two gray haired ladies on a bench passing around the yellowed scraps of paper.

One bench was covered with black and white photos of German atrocities, including piles of emaciated corpses. I watched as a small child turned her head away in horror.

Circles formed around accordion players and people danced. One elderly man fell and looked embarrassed. Others jumped and spun with joy. The music reflected the wartime spirit from long ago.

Many veterans were in full dress uniform, their chests covered with medals. Parents ordered their children to stand next to them for photos, and often they were stiff with fright. Some veterans told war stories while wildly gesticulating with their hands as crowds gathered around to listen.

All received flowers. One by one, flower by flower, the veterans received so many that they were impossible to carry. Many had friends or family to carry them, some had small carts, and some had nobody to help them.

One well dressed man in particular caught my eye. He carefully unwrapped a fresh-looking poster of Lenin. His name was Maksimo and through a translator I learned that this was his original artwork from the days he worked as a propaganda artist for Stalin.

Red flags fluttered as they packed up their picnic baskets and flowers to head home. A serious looking woman wandered in circles while hugging a portrait of Stalin. In the distance the afternoon sun reflected off the arsenal tower of the Kremlin. How many veterans will be around to celebrate Victory Day next year to pass on the memories?